With the aim to obtain a non-dairy solid probiotic product, three different Andean tubers -oca (Oxalis
tuberosa), papalisa (Ullucus tuberosus) and potato (Solanum tuberosum spp andigena)- were assessed as
fermentation substrates for the potentially probiotic L. brevis CJ25 strain. Fermented Churque~na potato
puree, oregano and NaCl were used for the manufacture of a product called Potato Cheese due to its firm
texture. This functional food contains a viable cell concentration of 8.0 log CFU/g and pH 5.1. Even after 28
days of storage at 4 C, increases in cell counts were found and pH decreased 0.7 units, which improved
food safety avoiding the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. The in vitro tests indicated
that L. brevis CJ25 exhibited high level of survival in simulated gastric juice (3 h, pH 2.5) when delivered
in Potato Cheese, and also showed resistance to bile salt after 3 h of exposure. These results suggest that
Potato Cheese is a promising novel functional food with high nutritional value, free of cholesterol and
lactose and its development may have a favorable impact in Andean regional economies.